Modern Love

Putting a vegan twist on well-known, loved, modern dishes

Modern Love

Filled with the enticing smells of herbs, fresh flowers, and violet wallpaper, Modern Love is a restaurant that offers a modern, vegan twist on well-known and loved dishes. Vegan food is made without the inclusion of animal products. That means food made without milk, eggs, cheese, and meat. Oftentimes, vegan dishes resemble traditional dishes but contain many alternatives to animal products.

Located about halfway between UNO and Midtown Crossings on 48th and Center, this safe-haven for animals provides a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere to all who venture there.

It is comfortable because familiar Spotify tunes fill the air as diners peruse the menus filled with macaroni and cheese, cheeseburgers, and blueberry cobbler drizzled with ice and whip cream.

It is exciting, however, because Modern Love has managed to find viable alternatives to animal products. Instead of cheese, they derive the melted cheese flavor and texture from cashews. Tofu substitutes for chicken, and lentils take the place of meat in their burgers.

I ordered the Mac & Shews, and the Modern Cheeseburger. With it’s ‘cheese’ sauce derived from soaked cashews and it’s pecan encrusted tofu accompanied by barbecue cauliflower and kale, the macaroni definitely has a unique taste. I wasn’t a very big fan of it’s tangy taste. There is a little disconnect between the appearance of cheesy looking mac’n’ cheese and the tangy, bitter yellow noodles that I put in my mouth.

Though the Mac’n Shews was a little beyond me taste-wise, I really enjoyed the Modern Cheeseburger. It’s patty is made up of lentils and some other mixed, cooked vegetables, accompanied by a slab of cashew cheddar, tomatoes, and pickles. On the side were fatty fries, and miso ketchup. I loved this dish. The crunchy bun, melted cheddar, and tangy tomatoes really made the burger. It looked exactly like a cheeseburger. The outside was brown and burger-like, and the inside was even slightly pinkish. It was different though, because the texture was nothing like a meat filled cheeseburger. Though the outside was slightly crispy, the inside was soft and contained a different fresh herbs and vegetables much unlike the standard cheeseburger Frankly, I loved it. It was delicious and different.

When the waiter noticed that we were not fans of the Mac’n Shews and tasted it himself, he ended up taking it off of our bill. This was a kind gesture that shed light on the character of the staff and the mission of the restaurant. It was obvious that the main goal of Modern Love is to provide healthy vegan food in an environment in which visitors can enjoy both the food and their evening.
Though I really loved the majority of the food, the price is a different story. Buying a burger at this restaurant is not like buying a burger at McDonald’s. When you pay $14 for a burger, you aren’t just paying $14 for the food. You are paying for the experience of eating a vegan lentil burger in a music filled, and comfortable environment.

All in all, this restaurant is a new, different alternative for a vibrant dining experience. With new approaches to well known dishes, Modern Love offers a healthy twist on the classic dining experience.